Joyce Moran Simons

Joyce Kaye Moran-Simons lost her lifelong battle to diabetes on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, MT. She was born on September 3,1958, in Poplar, MT to Madeline and Vincent Moran, Sr.

Joyce graduated from Poplar High School in 1977. She later moved to Havre, Montana to attend MSU-Northern for a short time with her aunt Trivian by her side. In 1978 she returned home and began her career with the Fort Peck Tribes Head Start Program, where she faithfully worked until 2021.

On February 24,1978, Joyce married Jim Simons. On April 15,1990 they started their family when they adopted her nephew, Todd. As Todd’s love for sports grew, so did Joyce’s joy in supporting him. She loved cheering him on in every activity he pursued. Joyce and Jim also shared a special bond with their niece, Ashley Porras, whom they helped raise and supported throughout her life and journey into parenthood. Later in life Joyce and Jim divorced but remained close friends.

Joyce had a fun-loving spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. On her good days, she was silly, full of laughter, and knew how to make those around her smile. She enjoyed a good road trip or cruise, listening to music, singing along, and simply living in the moment. She also took pride in her appearance and was always beautifully dressed, polished, and put together wherever she went. Joyce will be remembered for her loving heart, devotion to family, and putting other peoples needs before her own. She touched many lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joyce is preceded in death by her mother Madeline Moran, brother Vincent “Junior” Moran, Jr., maternal grandparents Frank and Lavina Perry, and paternal grandparents Alcide and Dorothy Moran.

Joyce is survived by her son Todd Simons, father Vincent Moran, Sr., brothers Kermit “Hoss” Moran and Charlie Moran, sisters Marilyn (Harold) Marottek, Lois Moran, Valerie Moran, nephews Doug (Ryan) Marottek, Clayton (Shannon) Martell, nieces Ashley (Eldon) Porras, Chelci Marottek, Darci Bushman, aunties Irene Wilkins, Leta Atkinson, Catherine Lloyd, and special aunt Trivian Nault, uncle Clyde Perry, and extended families, Young Bears, White Eagles, Four Bears, White Bears, First, and from North Dakota the Morsette, Reed, Lockwood, Bruce, Drivers, Wounded Face, and Hunts Along families. Please forgive us if we have forgotten anyone in this difficult time.

Joyce Moran Simons funeral services will be held on Monday, May 4th and Tuesday, May 5th at the James Black Dog Center. Interment will follow at the Moran Family Cemetery in Fort Kipp.